Building system



Jan. 16, 1940. H. T. FISHER BUILDING SYSTEM Filed April 9, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 @Wny fig V 9 l A 5% A q c ,C A 6 E m F f Jw L B T E, 1% t C E L Y i I... fl \W 7 m2 .8. 0 FEM} 1 m a MWMM n WW v I m m 2 mmk. th

v Jan. 16, 1940. H. T. FlSHER 2,187,148

BUILDING SYSTEM Filed April 9, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 29' {6 3 ze- 2 I 30 .206 5 31 Ho ward]? Jan. 16, 1940. H. T. FISHER 2,187,148

BUILDING SYSTEM Filed April 9, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 16, 1940. H. T. FISHER BUILDING SYSTEM Filed April 9, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ewen/50, Zioujarc]? 2 w 3 I. 12W 6 Ill/ Patented Jan. 16, 1940 PATENT OFFEQE BUILDING SYSTEM Howard T. Fisher, Winnetka, 111., assignor to Gen eral Houses, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application April 9, 1937, Serial No. 135,830

13 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in bLL'lding structures and methods of building construction, and more particularly'to buildings in which the principal structural elements are factory made or prefabricated in standardized shapes and sizes, and then assembled on the building site.

The invention is especially directed to improvements in the type of building construction disclosed. in my prior application, Serial No. 72,001, filed April 1, 1936, in which the frame- Work of the building consists of plurality of upright studs and cross beams erected on the so-called module system, with the upright studs placed at predetermined equal distances from each other and arranged to have wall or window panels of uniform. width interchangeably mounted between said studs.

One object of the present invention is to provide improved features of building construction used in the general type of building system above described, and particularly with respect to the exterior wall structure of such buildings, where- 5 by the exterior panels can be made somewhat thicker and more substantial than the panels used on the interior of the building, for obvious reasons. but still maintaining the principles of the module system above referred to.

3 A further object of the invention is to provide more eflicient heat insulating and condensationproof joints particularly with respect to the metallic studs and their means of connection with the exterior wall panels.

35 A further obiect of the invention is to provide a prefabricated construction readily adapted to multiple-story buildings uti zing the same structural elements in standardized sizes and shapes throughout the structure.

40 A still further obiect of the invention is to provide an improved means for fitting the edges of the exterior wall panels to the vertical studs, so as to compensate for minor variations in lateral spacing of the studs, and facilitate the as- 45 sembly of the parts on the job with a minimum of cutting and fitting.

Other objects of the invention will appear from time to time the following description proceeds.

50 The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a two-storydwelling constructed in accordance with my invention.

, Fig. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic floor plan illustrating the module line system employed in design of the assembly of the building whereby the exterior and interior framework and walls may be optionally disposed, respectively, in varying relations on module lines drawn in inter- 5 secting squares of a predetermine size, and with the exterior walls substantially thicker than the interior walls.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal section taken through an upright wall stud as adapted for use 1 on the exterior of the building, and showing two exterior wall panels connected thereto.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the construction shown in Fig. 3 as viewed from the exterior of the building, with parts removed to show the ar- 15 rangement of the insulating material employed with said upright studs.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged horizontal section taken through a corner stud and two exterior Wall panels connected thereto.

Fig. 6 is a detail fragmentary view of a portion of the corner stud shown in Fig. 5 particularly adapted for connecting the wall clam, lng means thereto.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken through another form of corner stud where the outer surfaces of the adjacent walls are at acute angles with respect to each other.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section taken through an upright stud, showing it as adapted for use with interior panels or partitions.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken through an upright stud and exterior wall construction of the general type shown in Fig. 3. but showing one of the exterior panels having a window frame 3 mounted therein so that said panel and window are fully interchangeable with the solid wall panels.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section of the type of window panel shown in Fig. 9, but with an inter- 0 mediate portion of the window frame broken away. This figure illustrates novel form of molding which may be used interchangeably as the top or bottom sill of the window frame.

Fig. 11 i a detail ver ical section drawn to a somewhat smaller scale than Figs. 3 to 9, inclusive, taken through t..e exterior wall panels from roof to basement of a building such as shown in Fig. l, but with intermediate portions of the wall panels broken away.

Fig. 12 is a detail vertical section through the base of an exterior wall panel where it joins a projecting roof portion, and showing the weatherproofing construction at this point.

Fig. 13 is a detail vertical section through the base of an exterior wall panel where it joins a variety of building plans.

The princ ple of my improved module system is illustrated on a slightly exaggerated scale in the diagram of Fig. 2 which shows a portion of a typical floor plan of a building such as illustrated in Fig. 1. It will be understood that in designing the building the general plan is laid out on a plurality of parallel equispaced module lines A, A and other module lines B, B at right angles thereto, forming squares of equal size.

'3 The various upright walls arelaid out optionally along these module lines with the upright elements of the framework consisting of intermediate studs and corner studs C located at points of intersection of the module lines. The building panels E and E are then mountedbetween the studs along the proper module lines to complete the wall structure. It will therefore be understood that the upright panels referred to are made in uniform width slightly less than the,modular unit chosenfor the plan and represented by each side of the smallest square formed by the intersecting module lines.

In the build ng systemdisclosed in my prior application Serial No. 72,001 above referred to, both the exterior panels and the interior partition panels of the building were shown to be of equal thickness and both types of panels were disposed with their median planes coinciding with the module lines on which they were disposed. In carrying out the present invention I provide an improved construction wherein the interior panels E are, as before, arrangedwith'their median planes coinciding with the module lines of the building, but the exterior panels E depart from this arrangement in that they are substantially thicker than the interior panels E, and the increased thickness of the exterior wall panels is d sposed on the outside of their respective module lines only, as will be clearly seen in the exag- '55 gerated scale of Fig. 2. Nevertheless it will be noted that this slight departure from the standard module system with respect to the exterior walls does not interfere or conflict with the basic modular system employed throughout the building. The same basic form of upright studs is employed for both exterior and interior walls, the excess width of the exterior walls being provided for by extending the clamping means on the studs outwardly with respect to their module lines, while maintaining the position of all the studs in their proper modular throughout the building plan.

relationship In other words, I provide an improved building system including standardized studs and panels conforming strictly to the modular system, but including exterior panels thicker than interior panels, as will now be described in detail.

The stud constructions whereby this variation in thickness of exterior and interior walls is afforded, are shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 3, 5,

'7, and 8. Fig. 3 shows the basic form of upright stud that may be used throughout the building structure, excepting at the exterior corners, where the modified forms of studs shown in Figs. 5 and 7 may be employed. Fig. 3 shows the basic stud construction when used with interior panels.

Referring first to the construction shown in Fig. 3 where the stud is used as an exterior loadsupporting member, the main body '26 of the stud is formed of sheet metal shaped with an inner wall Ell provided with a centrally disposed groove til two side walls 23, each having an outwardly facing shoulder 28 and an outwardly convergig portion 29 forming in effect a recess X at each outer corner of said stud. The corn verging portions Titl of the stud terminate in inwardly extending flanges 28. Said flanges may be reinforced at suitable intervals by tie strips 3'5 welded across said flanges.

The body portion 26 just described is the basic form of stud structure, which, with certain modifications in the panel clamping means, is used with both'exterior and interior panels, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

The recesses X are designed to receive the edges of upright exterior building panels til (to be presently'described in detail) and secured in closely fitting engagement therein by means of aretain- -ing strip 28 secured to the stud. Said retaining strip, commonly referred to as a batten or batten strip, extends along the outer face cf the stud with lateral margins engaging the outer surfacesof the adjacent panels 36 at the r edges. A plurality of bolts 29 are suitably attached to the batten along its center as by welding'the heads of said bolts to the face thereeii. Said bolts are so spaced at predetermined intervals as to extend through registering apertures- Zii formed in the opposite or inner wall 25 of the stud. In the form shown, said apertures are formed in the bottom wall of the groove 2t The batten is secured, in place by nuts 29 disposed in said groove and threaded on the end of the bolts 29. i

It will be observed that the groovev 2t on the inner face of the stud is adapted to receive the edge of an interior wall panel 3! arranged at right angles to the panels Bil, 3h. The edge of the panel 3! is provided with suitable recesses 3W drilled or otherwise formed therein at proper intervals to accommodate the nuts 29 In the form sliownherein, the exterior panels 38 are substantially twice the thickness of the interior panels or partitions 3| so as to aiford a more substantial panel having greater heat insulating properties for the exterior wall of the building. This variation in thickness of the exterior and interior walls has already been referred to generally in connection with the diagram Fig. 2.

Similarly, the corner stud construction indicated'generally at 2! in Fig. 5, is designed to accommodate relatively thick exterior wall panels 36, 39. It consists of an inner sheet metal member Zi' with two side walls 2t M disposed at right angles to each other, .two shoulders 2W,

25 converging toward each other at right angles and outwardly flared terminal flanges 2W, 2W so as to produce two recesses X X for receiving the edges of the panels til, 3%. A reinforcing member 32 of sheet metal extends across the flanges 2W, 25 and are connected thereto as by welding. X X by means of a metal retaining strip 33 having two marginal flanges 33 33 bent at The panels are secured in the recesses substantially 90 to each other, and engaging the extreme outer margins of the respective panels. The retaining strip is secured to the corner stud by a plurality of bolts 34 having their heads 34 extending through a slotted aperture 35 formed in the diagonal reinforcing member 32 as is best seen in Fig. 6. One end of the slotted aperture 35 is enlarged at 35 to permit the head of the bolt 34 to be inserted therein from the outside, then by moving the bolt longitudinally into the restricted portion of the slot the head will be retained therein. The outer end of the bolt 34 passes through an aperture 33 in the retaining strip and the latter is secured by a nut 34* threaded on the outer end of bolt 34. Other details of construction, including the insulation means and final trim disclosed in this figure will hereinafter appear.

The form of corner stud indicated generally at 3B in Fig. 7 is designed for use at a corner of the building in which the outer faces of the panels 30, 311 meet each other at acute right angles rather than at an obtuse right angle as in the form shown in Fig. 5. The stud 36 consists as before of sheet metal, but with two inner walls 38 and 36 at right angles to each other and each provided with grooves 36 and 36 respectively. The opposite walls extending toward the exterior of the building are provided with shoulders 36 3t and inwardly flaring terminal flanges 36 36, respectively, so as to form recesses X X for receiving the adjacent margins of the building panels 30, 30 in substantially the same manner as the recesses X, X of the stud shown in Fig. 3, and X X of the form shown in Fig. 5. The exterior retaining strip 31 which corresponds in function to the batten 28 in Fig. 3 and the retaining strip 33 of Fig. 5 here consists of a metal strip having its lateral edges engaging the outer surfaces of the building panels 30, 30 at their meeting edges. The retaining strip 31 is secured by bolts 38 having their heads attached thereto as by welding, and having their inner ends extending through a U-shaped metal web 39 having flanged outer ends 39 39 secured as by welding to the flanges 36, 35? of the stud member 36 and extending inwardly therefrom as clearly shown in the figure. The nut 38 threaded on the outer end of the bolt 38 may be reached by a tool for final adjustment through apertures 36 formed in the bottom of the inner stud grooves 36 and 36 respectively.

It will be observed in Fig. '7 that the grooves 38 and 36 are adapted for receiving the edges of interior panels or partitions 32. It will also be observed that while the inner face of an exterior Wall 30 will be in alignment with a corresponding .face of an inner partition indicated in full lines at the top of Fig. 7, yet said exterior wall 30 is substantially twice the thickness of said interior partition 3!.

Fig. 8 shows the adaptation of the basic stud construction shown in Fig. 3 when used with interior partitions of unitary thickness as disclosed in my prior application, Serial No. 72,001, hereinbefore referred to. It will be observed that the main body 48 of this stud is identical with the basic body portion 20 shown in Fig. 3, but instead of utilizing an extended batten strip 28 for securing the relatively thicker exterior panels thereto, a complementary metallic member 4! is substituted therefor, consisting of a sheet metal piece having an outer wall ll formed with a panel receiving groove M therein, and side walls 4" having inwardly extending terminal flanges 4! which engage the outer surfaces of the adjacent interior panels 3|, 3|. The complementary member 4| is secured to the body portion of the stud by a plurality of bolts 42 connected to the bottom of the groove M and extending through the opposite groove 40 of the main stud portion 40.

In erecting a building, the studs and panels are set in place with respect to the module lines A, A and B, B as shown in detail on the several Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8, and as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2. It will now be understood that if the thiclniess of the interior panels E is designated as a unit m, and the added thickness of the exterior panels E is designated by n, the total thickness of the exterior walls is m+n. In the preferred form shown herein, the exterior walls E are twice the thickness of the interior walls E, so the thickness of said exterior walls may also be represented as 2171.. Nevertheless, the distance from the inner surface of the exterior wall to its corresponding module line is always maintained at whereas the added thickness of the exterior wall will extend outside the module line of the exterior wall a distance represented by And where, as in the illustrative form shown herein, the thickness of the exterior walls is doubled, the outer face of the exterior wall will be spaced a distance of from its module line.

It will be noted further that in considering the overall length or width of a building constructed in accordance with my present invention, it may be assumed that 0 represents a single module unit comprising each square formed by the intersecting module lines A, A and B, 13 while 12 represents the number of such module units in one direction. In such case the overall dimension of the building from the outer surface of an exterior wall to the outer surface of the opposite exterior wall will be po+m+ 2:1

as indicated in the diagram Fig. 2. And where, as in the present instance, the added thickness n of the exterior walls equals the unit thickness of the interior walls, the overall dimension last given above will be po+3m.

Referring now to other details of construction shown in Figs. 3 to 8, inclusive, and relating more particularly to the improved means for fitting the exterior panels 33 to the upright studs 20, El and 36, it will be observed, for instance in Fig. 3, that the panel appearing at the left-hand side of this figure has a wedgeshaped strip 43 secured to the extreme edge thereof, said strip being tapered at an angle corresponding substantially to the angle of the wall 20 of the stud against which the edge of the panel abuts. This and similar strips are employed to compensate for slight inequalities in spacing the studs, which are inevitable.

arrangement of heat-insulating means associated with the several formsof studs which will now to-metal contact between the-batten 28 and stud 1 abutting edges of the panels.

panel 30 has been initially positioned.

I find it preferable to cut the edges of the panels square or at right angles to their outersurfaces and utilize wedge-shaped strips as in-1 dicated at 43. and 43% between the edges of the panels andthe taperingwalls of the stud. These strips may be provided in any suitable length such as indicated in Fig. 4. The strip 63 is mounted on the opposite panel appearing at the right-hand side of this figure. These wedge 3 studs. It will be understood that these wedge strips; maythereafter be inserted to close the space in the recess X, X or X to compensate for minor errors in proper spacing of the studs and insure a tight fitbetween thestuds and the In practical find it convenient to mount one such wedgestrip on the edge of each panel before the panel is applied to the studs as. indicated by the position of the nail 44 holding the strip 53 in place as indicated at the left-hand side of the stud shown in Fig. 3. It is then only necessary'to apply wedge strips along one side of each panel after it has been initially fitted inplace between each adjacent pair of studs In the form shown in Fig. 3, therefore, the nail 44 used for applying the wedge strip 43 at the right-hand side of the stud is shown in position to indicate that the 'wedge strip has been inserted into close fitting relation in its respective recess X after its It will readily be understood, however, that wedge strips can be applied on both sides of each stud before or after initial assembly,- if necessary or desirable, and that said Wedge strips may be supplied in any length desired to insure a firm wedging joint co-operating with the battenstrip 28 shown in Fig. 3 or the retaining strips 33 and 37 shown in Figs. 5 and 7, respectively, to insure a tight joint between the parts at this point.

I also provide an improved constructionand be described. 1

In the form shown in Fig. 3, the bolt apertures 29 preferably aiiord substantial clearance "around the bolt 29, and a heat-insulating washer 29 of suitable material such as fibre having a shouldered portion 29 projecting through the aperture 29 is interposed between the stud re,.

cess 20 and the nut 29* to break the metal- Z i. This minimirlesthe communication of heat (or cold) from one side of thewall to the other and eliminates condensation of any vapor on the interior of the stud.

I also provide a strip of vapors-proof shield,.

such as paper 45 (see 4) preferably-prefolded on lines b and 45 so that said strip will fit snugly against the exposed end portions of the panelstfi and the outer faces of the flanges 20 of the stud 20 with the opposed outer margins 45 of said strip extending closely adjacent to,

Woed ter the l ke qu lted. in. b anlsetie m as-indicatediatdt. When theinsulating means is applied and before final application of the batten'strip 28, a quantity of mastic 48 is applied along the outer shoulders 28 of the batten strip. The outer corners of the panel are preferably rabbetecl as indicated at 38 to receive the mastic. Thus when the batten strip is applied and tightened down by operation of the nut 25 on the batten bolt 29,, some of the mastic will be squeezed-yin toward the stud, and the rest will be squeezed out'toward the edge of the batten so as to completely cover the edges of the vaporproof shield and fill the adjacent rabbeted corners 30 of the panel, thus assuring a fully sealed'waterproof and airtight joint between adjacent panels, and minimizing'the ten-- dency to exchange of heat and moisture between the opposite sides of the walls. I

. A somewhat similar arrangement for insula tion is provided with the corner stud construction shown in Fig. 5. In this form the Vapor-proof shield is indicated at ll with its flanged margins 41 having their extreme edges embedded in waterproof mastic 48, and fibrous insulating material is inserted at 19 between the paper shield 41 and the retaining strip 33. In this form also the head. 3% of the bolt 3 has a shouldered Washer. 56 of insulating material interposed between said bolt head SM and the metallicreinforcing strip 32, thus breaking the metallic con- Another detail of construction shown in Fig. 5

consists of a metal angle strip having its side faces substantially flush with the flanges 33 of the retaining strip 33, and with inwardly turned terminal flanges 55 arranged to be pressed into retaining position over the ends of sprint clips.

56 mounted on the outer ends of the bolts 34 next to the retaining strip 33. A quantity of mastic may also be applied to seal the joints between strips 55 and 33.

Referring now more particularly to the construction of the exterior wall. panels 3% it will be understood that since said panels are especial-- lydes gned for the exterior of the house. they preferably have suitable thermal insulation ma terial therein. In the form shown in Fig. 3, each of the panels consists ofan outer frame member fill which may be made of wood or like material, an inner wall 6! which may consist of laminated wood, andan outer wall 62 which may consist of asbestos cement board or'like material. The space between the inner and outer Walls 6! and 62 is preferably filled with asuitable insulating material 63 of the so-called blanket type.

In addition to this insulation, I provide an improved form of panel'as herein disclosed by adding a sheet of vapor-proof material such as paper indicated at 65 overlying the surface of the inner wall 6! adjacent the insulating. material, said frame member 653 herein having its edge rabbeted at W soas to receive the margins and closely secure the vapor-proof sheet M. The use of such vapor-proof material disposed in this arran emen t a is usay.: n:t e-im1 -ore-We n;

side of the blanket insulation 63, minimizes the possibility of formation of moisture by condensation within said insulating material 63. This is particularly important in houses of conventional construction where air conditioning is used and in which considerable difiiculty is being experienced due to this condensation in the insulating material during cold weather. I find that the use of this vapor-proof paper on the inner or warm side of the insulating body successfully minimizes this serious difficulty by keeping the excess moisture within the house from escaping into the insulating material and becoming condensed therein.

Figs. 9 and 1.0 illustrate the window-construction wherein a complete window sash is inserted in and forms a part of an upright panel 65 interchangeable with the exterior wall panels 30, As will be seen from Fig. 9, the stud, batten, insulation and vapor-proof paper are arranged in the same arrangement as with the regular stud between two solid panels shown in Fig. 3. In the form of window panel 65 shown, the window includes a metallic frame which may be of any standard construction including similar top and bottom members 65, 66 and side members 67, 61 each having outwardly flanged portions 56 and 61, respectively, on their exterior faces, and inwardly extending flanges 56 and 87' adjacent their interior faces. The window pane t8 is mounted as usual against the inner flanges 56 and 61 The metallic window frame just described is preferably inserted in the panel 85 with an upright frame member 69 forming a continuation of the wood framework of said panel interposedbetween the metal side frame members 61 and the stud 20 as clearly shown in Fig. 9. This wood strip serves to break a direct metal-to-metal contact between the window frame and the stud. This construction also facilitates the use of wedge strips 43, if desired, for fitting the window panels to the studs, as indicated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 shows an improved form of upper and lower window sills which consist of similar wood molding strips 10 interposed between the body portion of the panel 65 and the metal window frame members 66, but arranged in reversed position with respect to each other at top and bottom of the window. These molding strips are substantially wider than the thickness of the panel so as to project beyond the inner face of the panel and provide a substantial Window sill and top molding similar to the customary form' of window trim.

In the form shown in Fig. 10, the outer faces of the molding strips 10 are cut away to accommodate the flanges 66 of the window frame, and suitable weatherproofing means is provided along the exterior joint. For instance, along the upper molding strip mastic H is introduced to seal the space between the outer surface of panel body 65 and the metal Window frame 66 The lower sill member has a flashing strip 12 inserted beneath the bottom window frame member and projects outwardly over the upper corner of the panel body portion t as clearly shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 illustrates an improved construction and arrangement of the exterior wall panels and their assembly in a complete multiple-story building whereby weatherproof construction is assured under all conditions. Referring first to the details of the bottom sill as applied to the concrete foundation shownin this figure, I provide a metal sill member 15 consisting of an inverted L-shaped angle iron. A wooden sill board "ll preferably treated by creosote or similar weatherproofing material, is secured to the outer face of the foundation l5 by means of screws Il extending outwardly from the angle iron 1E. The arrangement is such that the sill board 11 is permanently connected to the sill angle 73, and both are set in position before the foundation is poured, so that said board forms a permanent outer retaining wall for the foundation. The upper flange of the angle iron 16 has anchor bolts it extending therethrough to which the upright studs may be secured in erecting the building framework.

The exterior panels 30 are each provided with a relatively long and deep rabbeted portion 18 along its lower outer margin, in the form shown said rabbeted portion being approximately onehalf the thickness of said panels so that the exterior surface of said panel terminates in an overhanging shoulder l8 spaced several inches from the bottom edge of the panel. This shoulder 1& is preferably undercut to form an upwardly converging groove as indicated at 78 Where the panel is assembled on the foundation sill as shown in Fig. 11, a strip of molding 89, preferably of wood, is inserted in the rabbeted portion 18 along the lower edge of the panel to close the space between the shoulder '18 of said panel and the sill board ll. In the form shown, the molding strip 89 has a reduced tongue 81 formed along its upper edge adapted to fit into the groove 78*, and the lower portion of said strip is shaped to assume a generally downwardly and outwardly inclined position so as to form in effect, a skirt overlapping a filler strip 82 secured along the bottom edge of the panel and projecting downwardly over the upper edge of the angle iron 16. With the molding strip 89 and filler strip 82 assembled as shown in Fig. ll, the molding strip 89 may be suitably held in place as by a bolt or screw 83 extending from the inner face of the panel.

The joint between the panel and the molding strip is preferably sealed as by a quantity of mastic 84. As a preferred method of installation of the mastic, the latter may be applied along the tongue 8| of the sill molding before it is installed. The latter is then installed by pushing it in place diagonally from below so as to wedge said tongue into the converging groove 18 thus squeezing the surplus mastic out of the joint and insuring a completely weatherproof connection at this point.

It will be noted that the filler strip is of substantially the same thickness as the rabbeted portion 18. This it ler strip may be made use of during transportation of the panels to the building site by reversing its position end to end from that shown in Fig. 11 and applying it snugly against the shoulder 58 of the panel so as to protect said shoulder from damage durin transportation.

The rabbeted construction along the lower margin of the outer walls 38 is also made use of where such panels are used in the second story of a building in the intermediate part or section of Fig. 11. In such case a molding strip 85 is provided which, although somewhat wider vertically than the molding strip 8E serves to provide a similar weatherproof, mastic sealed tongue and groove-joint 86 with the overhanging shoulder 18 of the second floor panels 30, as

jacent the foundation sill.

shown. .In this case, the molding strip 85 is of sufficient vertical width'so that its lower edge grooved at 82, 81 engages the upper edges of the rows of exterior panels 36 immediately below it, and also covers the exposed edges of the intervening floor structure, including the floor panel 99.

The molding strip 85 may be held in place bya bolt or screw 83 extending from the inner face of the panel adjacent the base of said panel substantially as in the case of the bolt or screw 333 used for retaining the molding strip ad- The molding strip t imay be further secured by a nail or screw 39 passing through the exterior face of said strip adjacent its lower edge and suitably secured to the, framework, as for instance by engagement with the adjacent edge of the horizontal floor panel 9t.

The same form of molding strip 85 may also be employed in connection with the coping around the roof as shown at the top of Fig. 11. In this case a horizontal roof panel Si is surrounded by an upstanding strip 92, generally triangular in shape and surmounted at its apex by a ridge piece 83 having an outer overhanging shoulder 94 and converging groove of substantially the same size and configuration as the shoulder 18 and groove '38 previously described in connection with the wall panels 3%. This construction therefore permits the use'of the same form of weatherproof, mastic sealed joint 86 at the overhanging shoulder 9 as is the case with the previously described molding strip 85 disposed at the second floor level of the building,

and the molding strip 88 at the first floor level of the building. Weatherproof roofing material 95! of any suitable form may then be laid over the roof panel BI and extending up the slope of strip being counter-flashed by the ridge piece E33.

Fig. 12 shows'a modified form of construction where the base of an exterior wall panel 38 meets a projecting roof surface formed by a horizontal roof panel 95, such as might occur with a second-story roof deck. Where this arrangement is encountered, a strip 9'! generally in the form of a right angle triangle, and possibly similar to strip 92 of Fig. 11, is fitted with its two right angle faces respectively engaging the rabbeted surface '53 of the panel 36 and the adjacent top surface of the'roof panel 96 so as to present a downwardly and outwardly sloping surface il'l extending from a point immediately belowthe overhanging shoulder 'iil of the panel. Waterproof roofing material 38 of any suitable form is then laid over the roof panel 96 and is exten ed outwardly over the sloping surface ill and into the groove 78 and covering the shoulder l8 so as to effectively seal the joint at this point.

Fig. 13 shows a foundation sill construction somewhat similar to that illustrated in Fig. 11, but in which the foundation sill instead of being made of concrete is built up of wood, as for instance where a wooden floor and joints are employed. In this figure the wooden sill structure is indicated generally at 89 andL includes a matched board floor covering 99* and a sill board it!) secured along the outer face of the wooden sill structure. The upright wall panels 30 with the same rabbeted construction indicated at is along their bottom edges are mounted on the sill. and the exterior is completed by a molding board 8E3 similar to the form shown in Fig. 11, but having its lower edge arranged in overlapping engagement with the upper corner of the sill board idli. Wood pieces NH may be used as fillers in this detail, as clearly indicated in Fig. 13.

Although I have shown and'described certain embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the exact construction shown and described, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a building structure, the combination of a framework including an upright hollow stud formed of sheet metal and having shouldered I recesses along two outer corners thereof, a plurality or similar panels, a complementary sheet metal retaining strip adapted to extendalong said stud and detachably connectable to the latter to engage the outer margins of said panels and secure their edges within said shouldered recesses, heat insulation means interposed between said stud and said retaining strip, including a strip of vapor-proof material laid over the exposed face of said stud between said panel edges and extending outwardly along the said panel edges to a point adjacent'said retaining strip, and mastic applied along the edges of said vapor-proof strip at the outer corners of said panel edges to seal the joint between said panels and said retaining strip.

2. In a building structure, the combination of a'framework including an upright hollow stud formed of sheet metal and having shouldered recesses along two outer corners thereof, a plurality of similar panels having rabbeted outer lateral corners, a complementary sheet metal retaining strip adapted to extend along said.

stud and detachably connectable to the latter to-engage the outermargins of said panels and .secure their edges within said shouldered reto a point adjacent said retaining strip, and

mastic applied along the edges of said paper strip at the outer corners of said panel edges to seal the joint between said panels and said retaining strip.

3. In a building structure, the combination of a framework including an upright hollow stud formed of sheet metal and having shouldered recesses along two outer corners thereof, a com plementary sheet metal retaining strip adapted to extend along said stud and detachably connectable to the latter to engage the outer faces of adjacent panels and secure their edges within said shouldered recesses, heat insulation means interposed between said stud and said retaining strip, including a strip of vapor-proof paper laid over the exposed face of said stud between said panel edges and extending outwardly along the said panel edges to a point adjacent the outer corners of said panel edges, mastic applied along the edges of said strip at the outer corners of said panel edges and sealing the joint between said panel edges and said retaining strip, and fibrous insulating material disposed in the space between said vapor-proof paper and said retaining strip.

4. In an exterior wall structure for buildings, a load bearing metal stud having a shouldered recessgformed along a corner thereof, a panel having its abutting edge fitting in said recess,

a metallic retaining strip extending in spaced relation along the outer face of said stud in engagement with the outer face of said panel, and a strip of vapor-proof material overlying the exposed outer face of said stud and the adjacent exposed edge of said panel, sealed to said retaining strip with vaporproof material, and means extending through said vapor-proof strip and detachably connecting said retaining strip with said stud including a heat insulating medium.

5. In an exterior wall structure for buildings, a load bearing metal stud having a shouldered recess formed along a corner thereof, a panel having its abutting edge fitting in said recess, a metallic retaining strip extending in spaced relation along the outer face of said stud in engagement with the outer face of said panel, and a strip of vapor-proof material overlying the exposed outer face of said stud and the adjacent exposed edge of said panel, sealed to said retaining strip with vaporproof material, fibrous insulating material inserted between said vaporproof strip and said retaining strip, and means extending through said vapor-proof strip and said insulating material detachably connecting said retaining strip with said stud including a heat insulating medium.

6. In a building structure, the combination of a framework including a plurality of upright studs each having outwardly converging shouldered recesses along the sides thereof, a plurality of panels each formed with its lateral edges substantially squared with its outer faces and adapted to be interchangeably fitted in the outwardly converging recesses of said studs, a plurality of separate strips generally wedgeshaped in cross section adapted to be fitted between said outwardly converging surfaces of said stud recesses and said squared edge surfaces of said panels to compensate for unequal spacing between adjacent studs, and clamping means connected to said studs for retaining said panels in said recesses.

'7. In a building structure, the combination of a framework including a plurality of upright studs each having outwardly converging shouldered recesses along the sides thereof, a plurality of panels each formed with its lateral edges substantially squared with its outer faces and adapted to be interchangeably fitted in the outwardly converging recesses of said studs, a plurality of separate strips generally wedge-shaped in cross section adapted to be fitted between said outwardly converging surfaces of said studs and said squared edge surfaces of said panels and detachably oonnectable to said panels to compensate for unequal spacing between adjacent studs, and clamping means connected to said studs for retaining said panels in said recesses.

8. In a building structure, the combination or a fram work including a plurality of upright metal studs each having integral outwardly converging shouldered recesses along the sides thereof, a plurality of panels each having wood frame members along its lateral substantially squared with its outer faces and adapted to be interchangeably fitted in the outwardly converging recesses of said studs, a plurality of separate strips generally wedge-shaped in cross section adapted to be fitted between said outwardly converging surfaces of said stud recesses and said squared edge surfaces of said panels to compensate for unequal spacing between adjacent studs, and metal clamping means connected to said studs for retaining the outer margins of said panels in said recesses.

9. In a building structure, the combination of a framework including a plurality of upright metal studs each having integral outwardly converging shouldered recesses along the sides thereof, a plurality of panels each having wood frame members along its lateral edges substantially squared with its outer faces and adapted to be interchangeably fitted in the outwardly converging recesses of said studs, a plurality of separate wood strips generally wedge-shaped in cross section adapted to be fitted between said outwardly converging surfaces of said studs and said squared edge surfaces of said panels and detachably connectable to said panels by nailing thereto to compensate for unequal spacing between adjacent studs, and metal clamping means connected to said studs for retaining the outer margins of said panels in said recesses.

10. In a building structure, an exterior wall construction including a building sill member and a plurality of similar interchangeable wall panels mounted therealong, each having a frame member and inner and outer wall members overlying said frame, and with the outer wall member terminating short of the lower edge of said pane and the lower frame member being rabbeted the full width thereof to form a grooved overhangin shoulder, a molding strip having a tongued upper edge adapted to fit in the grooved overhanging shoulders of a plurality of adjacent panels to maintain the latter in alignment, and having an outwardly inclined skirt portion projecting below the bottom edges of said panels and overhanging said sill member.

11. In a building structure, an exterior wall construction including a building sill member of masonry and a plurality of similar interchangeable wall panels mounted therealong, each having a frame member and inner and outer wall members overlying said frame, and with the outer wall member terminating short of the lower edge of said panel and the lower frame member being rabbeted the full width thereof to form a grooved overhanging shoulder, a wood base strip permanently attached to said sill member below the upper edge thereof, and a molding strip having a tongued upper edge adapted to fit in the grooved overhanging shoulders of a plurality of adjacent panels to maintain the latter in afignment, and having an outwardly inclined skirt portion projecting below the bottom edges of said panels and overhanging said sill member in engagement with said wood base strip.

12. In a building structure, an exterior wall construction including a building sill member of wood, and a plurality of similar interchangeable wall panels mounted therealong, each having a frame member and inner and outer wall members overlying said frame, and with the outer wall member terminating short of the lower edge of said panel and the lower frame member being rabbeted the full width thereof to form a grooved overhanging shoulder, a wood base strip attached to said sill member below said panels, and a molding strip having a tongued upper edge adapted to fit in the grooved overhanging shoulders of a plurality of adjacent panels to maintain the latter in alignment, and having an outwardly inclined skirt portion projecting below the bottom edge of said panels and overhanging said sill member and wood base strip and engaging the upper edge of the latter.

13. In a multiple-story building structure, an

hanging shoulder,

exterior wall constructionincluding'a plurality of similar interchangeable wall panels arranged in superimposed rows to form the exterior walls of adjacent stories, a horizontal floor structure interposed between said rows and forming a support for the upper row of panels, the outer lower margin of each of said panels being rabbeted the full Width thereof to form a grooved overa molding strip having a tongued upper edge adapted to fit'in said grooved" overhanging shoulders of a plurality of adjacent panels to maintain the latter in alignment and having an outwardly inclined skirt portion projecting downwardly into overlapping engagement with the outer upper edges of the lower row of Wall panels;

I HOWARD T. FISHER. 

